Scuba Diving in Guyana

The majority of resources on the internet will tell you that there is no scuba diving in Guyana. This isn’t correct – but the reality is that the average scuba diver is not going to spend the time and money needed to make a trip happen!

Why Isn’t Diving Popular in Guyana?

In the northeast, Guyana has 285 miles of Atlantic coastline. Inland, major bodies of water include:

Rivers

Essequibo River

• The largest river in Guyana, spanning about 1,014 kilometers (630 miles).
• Flows from the Acarai Mountains in southern Guyana to the Atlantic Ocean.
• Features numerous islands, including Hog Island and Sloth Island.

Demerara River

• Flows through Georgetown, Guyana’s capital.
• Important for trade and transportation, with the Demerara Harbour Bridge crossing it.
• Empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

Berbice River

• Known for its reddish-brown waters due to tannins from vegetation.
• Flows into the Atlantic and serves as a transportation route.
• Historically significant for the Dutch settlement in Berbice.

Lakes

Mainstay Lake

• Near the Essequibo River, popular for its serene setting.

Shell Beach Lagoon

• Found near Shell Beach on the Atlantic coast.
• An important habitat for sea turtles.

Despite what seems like ample opportunity, the reality is much different. Here’s why diving in Guyana isn’t a popular activity.

Turbid Water Conditions

Muddy Waters: The rivers and coastline of Guyana, particularly near the Atlantic Ocean, are known for their murky, silt-laden waters. The sediment comes from rivers like the Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice, which carry vast amounts of soil from inland areas. The high sedimentation significantly reduces underwater visibility, making it difficult to explore marine life or underwater landscapes.

Wildlife Risks

Rivers and coastal areas are habitats for large animals like caimans, piranhas, and even anacondas, which could pose risks to divers. When you combine this with extremely limited visibility, the risk increases.

Challenging Coastal Conditions

The Atlantic coastline experiences powerful tidal currents, which can make diving dangerous, especially for less experienced divers.

Lack of Developed Diving Infrastructure and Undeveloped Locations

• Few Dive Operators: Guyana has limited scuba diving facilities, dive shops, or trained diving instructors compared to popular diving destinations.
• Absence of Dive Sites: There are no well-mapped or maintained dive sites, which limits opportunities for recreational diving.
• Limited Accessibility: Many potential dive sites, such as those along river mouths or isolated coastal areas, are remote and difficult to access.
• Lack of Amenities: Remote regions often lack essential diving amenities, such as boats, oxygen supplies, or safety equipment.

Potential Opportunities for Diving

Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for specialized types of diving in certain areas:

• Blackwater Diving: Exploring unique ecosystems in tannin-rich rivers or creeks.
• Exploratory Diving: Uncharted regions could appeal to adventurous divers seeking new experiences.
• Conservation Diving: Scientific diving could help researchers study the biodiversity of Guyana’s rivers and estuaries.

To get an idea of how murky and remote these waters are, check out Frode Kjems video on diving in Guyana.

If you’ve made the effort to experience diving in Guyana, our team would love to hear from you!